| Ponce de Leon Day St. Augustine Florida |
1883 Celebration Ponce De Leon Day. (from August 156, 1889 St. Augustine Weekly News) A Plan to Revive a Festival Inaugurated in 1883. An Interview With an Enthusiast on the Subject--He Tells how the Affair was Managed and Who Did the Work --- The Holiday Must Be Revived --- A Chance for Athletics On March 27, 1883, the 373rd year of the existance of this city was celebrated in grand style. It was Ponce de Leon day and the event brought to this city the greatest crowd ever gathered here. There is no reason why this celebration should not be made a gala day once a year. In 1883 a picturesque landing was made by Ponce de Leon, personated by Francisco B. Genovar, one of Ponce de Leon's old associates. He had a battalion of two companies, commanded by Captains John G. Carrea and Albert L. Rogero. These Spanish troops, in antique uniform and with the flag of old Spain, proceeded to the old Fort and celebrated mass. The second feature of this celebration was the oration by Maj. George R. Fairbanks. Then the parade, under direction and command of Mr. J. A. Enslow Jr., made up of the Ponce de Leon army, the battalion of the U. S. A., then stationed here, the St. Augustine Guards, visiting military from Jacksonville and Palatka, the Ladies' Confederate Monument Society in carriages, the Fire Department, the Catholic schools under direction of the sisters of St. Joseph, civic societies and citizens. At night there was a grand Venetian display and aquatic concert on the bay in front of the city. On the second day a yacht race was sailed and at night a grand pyrotechinic display took place. The houses generally were decorated and all went in with spirit for a great holiday. Dr. De Witt Webb conceived the idea. He worked hard against opposi8tion. He was the secreatary of the executive committee and General Horatio G. Gibson was chairman. These two gentlemen were the very inspiration of the whole enterprise and to thm is due the success and credit of the affair. Most of the gentlemen who took active part in the last celebration are still with us and can be depended upon to renew their effective work. Secretary DeWitt Webb, Ponce de Leon Genovar, Captains Carreras and Rogero, Grand Marshal Enslow, Executive CommittemB. Genovar, Finance Solicitor D. Knowlton, Chief of Finance George W. Gibbs, Chief Decorator Frank H. Greatorex and others. A pleasing feature of the last celebration was the old Spanish names represented in the two companies of the Spanish troops, viz: Rogero, Carreras, Masters, Manucy, Andrea, Bridier, Capo, Mickler, Benet, Triay, Oliveros, Colee, Hernandez, Genovar, Usina, Ponce, Valle, Gomez, Llambias, Leonardy, Sanchez, Dupont and Ximanes. 1885 Celebration March 27 State Senator Genovar played Ponce de Leon escourted by 46 attendants in Spanish costumes with battle axes and glittering helmets. Fathers Lynch and Mooney celebrated high mass at the Castillo. Addresses were made by General Gibson and the Hon G. R. Fairbanks. The parade that followed was witnessed by 10,000 persons. A dress carnival was held and then a ball at the St. Augustine Hotel. Also a yacht and boat race and a aquatic show in the harbor. |